The industries with the most rapid productivity growth reflect the importance of the high-tech sector on the U.S. economy during the 1990s, and includes industries that were major users or distributors of high-tech equipment as well as the industries producing those goods.

Output per hour grew 31.7 percent per year, on average, in computer and peripheral equipment manufacturing and 27.0 percent per year in semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing.

After computer and semiconductor manufacturing, productivity grew most rapidly for professional and commercial equipment wholesalers (this industry includes establishments engaged in the distribution of such products as computers and other equipment); electronics and appliance stores; electronic shopping and mail-order houses; software publishers; communications equipment manufacturing; and electric goods wholesalers.